Inter-Lakes CEO removed after five months

TICONDEROGA - Inter-Lakes Health is again looking for a chief executive officer.

Roger Masse was fired Dec. 19. He had held the position since July.

"Because of philosophical differences, the board of directors of Inter-Lakes Health has decided to cancel the contract with Roger Masse as chief executive officer of the health care corporation," reads a press release issued Dec. 26.

"The decision will in no way impact patient care on any level," said Joan Grishkot, chairwoman of the Inter-Lakes board of the directors.

"Roger is a capable administrator," she said, "and we appreciate the work he did while associated with Inter-Lakes. But his vision for the facility and the board's vision were not compatible. We wish him well in his future endeavors."

Haughney, who has been chief financial officer at the health-care complex since 2005, was previously appointed acting CEO following the resignation of Stephen Gavalchik of West Virginia.

Gavalchik held the job for 10 months, resigning in April 2006.

Haughney was hired as permanent CEO in August 2006 but stepped down when Masse was hired.

"We know the facility is in fine hands," said Grishkot. "We are committed to the future of Inter-Lakes Health and to providing the best possible health care to our community."

The Inter-Lakes board plans to meet this month to review the goals and plans of the corporation before it begins a search for a new administrator.

Masse came to Inter-Lakes after five years of leading Clifton-Fine Hospital in Star Lake.

He never moved to Ticonderoga, instead living in an apartment during the week that Inter-Lakes rented for him and spending weekends at his house in Oneonta.

Masse was paid more than $150,000 a year, and Grishkot said the board gave him a generous severance package.

Masse could not be reached for comment.

Since the new Moses-Ludington Hospital opened in 1981, the facility has had 17 permanent or acting chief administrators.

Inter-Lakes Health has about 200 full-time equivalent positions, making it one of the area's largest employers.